You can build a complete home gym for under $250 with these Amazon deals

PACEARTH Gymnastic Rings | $29.99 at Amazon

They might seem intimidating at first, but gymnastic rings are the ultimate training tool for all ability levels. They're cheap, compact and versatile — you can take them anywhere and hang them from a tree, basketball hoop or any other stable anchor point. They can provide an upper-body workout like no other, and they're surprisingly accessible too, with progressions and regressions of most movements. So, if you're not ready for ring dips, you can start with ring push-ups or kneeling ring push-ups to build your pushing power. 

Yes4All Adjustable Cast Iron Dumbbell 50lb Set | was: $61.25, now $54.99 at Amazon

I love a barbell, but dumbbells trump their longer cousin when it comes to versatility and affordability. You can perform compound exercises such as goblet squats, isolation moves bicep curls, weighted carries and even incorporate them into high-intensity resistance training workouts. I also really like them for unilateral (or one-sided) training, which is great for addressing muscular imbalances in your body. You can buy heavier options than this 50lb set, but these will cost extra. 

CAP Barbell Flat Weight Bench | was: $69.99, now $50.33 at Amazon

Every item on this list has been included to expand your home workout horizons, and this simple yet sturdy weight bench allows you to perform the eponymous bench press to work your chest. Plus, you can use it for everything from box squats to bent-over rows, hip thrusts to Bulgarian split squats. This last exercise is the secret weapon in any experienced trainer's leg-day arsenal, but be warned, they're devilishly difficult. 

Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell 10lb | was: $17.49, now $14.86 at Amazon

Including a dumbbell and a kettlebell might seem like overkill, but there's a good reason I think both deserve a spot in your home gym. Thanks to their ergonomic shape (which makes them easy to hold and catch in a front rack position) kettlebells are fantastic for dynamic movements like swings, snatches and the clean and press. If you're short on time, a circuit of these exercises can be an efficient way to work your muscles while getting your cardio fix in one fell swoop. 

Speed Skipping Rope | $13.98 on Amazon

Exercise machines have their place, but the reality is you can torch calories while training your heart and lungs with this $10 tool. As an exercise, it's scalable too, meaning if regular skipping seems too simple you can attempt new, more energy-intensive techniques like double-unders and cross-overs. I find adding this learning element to cardio sessions makes them much more engaging and enjoyable, helping me forget my sweat-sodden brow. 

Iron Gym Pull-Up Bar | was: $79.99, now: $26.60 at Amazon

The ability to perform a pull-up puts you in an elite group of gym-goers, and learning this movement is an excellent way to develop both back brawn and serious pulling power. If you're not ready for a full pull-up, you can try clove hitching one of the looped resistance bands (below) around the bar and placing it under your feet to perform an assisted version of the movement. That's not all this door-mounted pull-up bar is good for either, you can also use it for hanging ab exercises like knee raises and L-sits — just make sure you have a doorframe that can accommodate it. 

Tom Shoo Pull-Up Assist Resistance Bands Set | was: $39.99, now: $34.99 at Amazon

These looped resistance bands are excellent for assisted pull-ups, but their potential definitely doesn't end there. You can use them to hit all muscle groups, including your legs with squats, arms with bicep curls, and chest with banded push-ups. They're also small enough to fit in most kit bags, making them a great fit for training on-the-go. And with five resistance options, there's something to suit all strength levels. 

ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat | was: $25.99, now $20.30 at Amazon

If you're short on space, one of the best yoga mats might be a better option. However, for my garage, I like these cushioned jigsaw mats. The six 24 x 24-inch tiles link together easily to cover a wide area, you can attach them in different ways to change the shape, and they allow me to perform burpees without worrying about bashing my body on the hard stone floor below.